What do you think?
Rate this book
Osprey Weapons #51
The Gladius: The Roman Short Sword
Adopted from the Celtiberians in the late 3rd century BC and then adapted by the Romans, the gladius was one of the most feared weapons in the ancient world. Both a lethal stabbing weapon and a formidable chopping blade, it was first used by the Roman Army in Spain, but employed to greatest effect when a strict gladiatorial training regime was applied. Literary sources tell of the terror it induced, while archaeological evidence of wounds inflicted provides testament to it's deadly effect. Pulling together strands of literary, sculptural and archaeological evidence, renowned expert M.C. Bishop charts the development of the gladius, exploring the way in which the shape of the short sword changed as soldiers and gladiators evolved their fighting style, and how the iconic weapon helped Rome conquer the ancient Mediterranean world.
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
18 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Bishop
40 books12 followersM. C. Bishop (Mike Bishop) is a freelance writer, publisher, and archaeologist who – among other things – walks, drives, cycles, flies, tweets, blogs, draws, and photographs Hadrian’s Wall. His particular specialities are Roman arms and armor and the Roman site at Corbridge in Northumberland, but he confesses to being at his happiest when working on articles or books (writing, illustrating, editing, copy-editing, typesetting, proofreading, and indexing!).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 1, 2016
I love Osprey's military history books. I have a shelf full, mainly of the ancient world ones, but with some variation. Each book is written and illustrated by different contributors, and consequently they are of varying quality (though only one or two I've come across have ever been less than good). On occasion, though, an Osprey book reaches the heights of excellence and becomes a real 'go-to' book on the subject.
As well as Osprey books, I like Mike Bishop's books. I have half a dozen of them, published either by Armatura Press or by Pen and Sword. And I know when I pick up one of Bishop's books that I will not be able to argue with or have reason to doubt a word therein. Along with Mary Beard and Adrian Goldsworthy, Bishop is one of those folk in whose knowledge I have implicit trust.
So an Osprey book by Mike Bishop? Hell yes! 'The Gladius' is one of Osprey's most recent publications, part of their Weapon series, which covers everything from spears to assault rifles. I cleared my table, for I wanted no distractions, and I read it. Then, because I knew how much I'd learned and how much must have escaped my memory, I read it again. And soon, after reviewing it here, I'll read it again. And as long as I am writing Roman fiction, I will constantly go back to it for reference, probably more than any other Osprey book.
This book takes you through the evolution of the 'Spanish Sword' from its origins, through adoption by the Roman republican army, its gradual changes in form, and to its eventual supplanting by other types of blade more suitable for the changing nature of Roman warfare. It covers the types of Gladius found, in incredible detail. Pompeii, Mainz, Ring-pommel and others, even less well-known to the lay reader. It examines their use and their role in combat, their methods of manufacture, the part they have played in Rome's history, and even their effects on the world that followed.
The level of knowledge and detail in the book is impressive. I had not previously been aware of the level of variation or the sheer scale of finds that are referenced. I had not considered the possibility that blades were not formed from one forging of steel and not forge welded with separate edges of different types of steel. I had not considered just how clever the grip of the sword is. I was not aware of the discrepancies in the ancient accounts of their use that, to be honest, as a writer I can exploit!
And therein lies an extra level of value for me in this book. I have learned a number of things on a subject that I thought held little new for me. Boy was I wrong. And what I have learned will filter into my own novels, lending them an extra adge of authenticity.
What you have here is one of the very best Osprey books on offer. Knowledgeable, educational, and fascinating, yet put forward in a very accessible way (one of Osprey's strengths and, helpfully, one of Bishop's too.) It is also beautifully illustrated throughout, which supports the text beautifully, including some fascinating detailed drawings by the author. There is no filler or padding in this book. It is 100% on course with its subject and no matter how much you think you know your Roman weaponry, you'll learn something from reeading it.
Pride of place on my shelf. Is it on yours yet?
As well as Osprey books, I like Mike Bishop's books. I have half a dozen of them, published either by Armatura Press or by Pen and Sword. And I know when I pick up one of Bishop's books that I will not be able to argue with or have reason to doubt a word therein. Along with Mary Beard and Adrian Goldsworthy, Bishop is one of those folk in whose knowledge I have implicit trust.
So an Osprey book by Mike Bishop? Hell yes! 'The Gladius' is one of Osprey's most recent publications, part of their Weapon series, which covers everything from spears to assault rifles. I cleared my table, for I wanted no distractions, and I read it. Then, because I knew how much I'd learned and how much must have escaped my memory, I read it again. And soon, after reviewing it here, I'll read it again. And as long as I am writing Roman fiction, I will constantly go back to it for reference, probably more than any other Osprey book.
This book takes you through the evolution of the 'Spanish Sword' from its origins, through adoption by the Roman republican army, its gradual changes in form, and to its eventual supplanting by other types of blade more suitable for the changing nature of Roman warfare. It covers the types of Gladius found, in incredible detail. Pompeii, Mainz, Ring-pommel and others, even less well-known to the lay reader. It examines their use and their role in combat, their methods of manufacture, the part they have played in Rome's history, and even their effects on the world that followed.
The level of knowledge and detail in the book is impressive. I had not previously been aware of the level of variation or the sheer scale of finds that are referenced. I had not considered the possibility that blades were not formed from one forging of steel and not forge welded with separate edges of different types of steel. I had not considered just how clever the grip of the sword is. I was not aware of the discrepancies in the ancient accounts of their use that, to be honest, as a writer I can exploit!
And therein lies an extra level of value for me in this book. I have learned a number of things on a subject that I thought held little new for me. Boy was I wrong. And what I have learned will filter into my own novels, lending them an extra adge of authenticity.
What you have here is one of the very best Osprey books on offer. Knowledgeable, educational, and fascinating, yet put forward in a very accessible way (one of Osprey's strengths and, helpfully, one of Bishop's too.) It is also beautifully illustrated throughout, which supports the text beautifully, including some fascinating detailed drawings by the author. There is no filler or padding in this book. It is 100% on course with its subject and no matter how much you think you know your Roman weaponry, you'll learn something from reeading it.
Pride of place on my shelf. Is it on yours yet?
February 13, 2017
The range of military oriented topics that Osprey has published over the years never ceases to amaze me. Recently I learned that in addition to firearms Osprey also published books about the Gladius (Roman short sword). the Pilum (Roman javelin) and other famous weapons of the ancient and medieval world. The rest of my Osprey weapons library is focused on modern firearms, but I'm also a lifelong Roman Empire history buff so I added Mr. Boshop's book on the famous Roman sword. One does not read about the Roman Empire and not come across numerous references to the Gladius and the Pilum. However the number of books that are dedicated to covering the sword itself are not as numerous as one might think. As is the case with many of the Osprey books this one is tailor made for the reader with a casual interest in the topic. Not being an expert on swords I found the book to be informative, with just enough technical info to be interesting, but not eye glazing. Like all the other Osprey books it's loaded with illustrations and packs a lot of information in just eighty pages. I'm hooked.
May 3, 2021
Very good study of the short sword that has become an iconic symbol of an empire.
May 30, 2020
chop chop stab
chop chop stab
oh what a bitchin sword you had
chop chop stab
oh what a bitchin sword you had
January 16, 2017
If you want very technical and deep information about what we know about the Roman gladius (or legionnaire sword sword), this is the book for you. This was a very enjoyable read for a Roman history nerd, like myself.
June 17, 2023
The image of a Gladius is easily recognizable by most who are interested in classical or military history. And a book about the Gladius written by M. C. Bishop is simply something that cannot be missed.
One of the best books I’ve read regarding Roman equipment was written by this author, its title was “Roman Military Equipment from the Punic wars to the Fall of Rome”; he was also the editor and brain behind the Journal of Military Roman Equipment. So his credentials are truly superb, and his links with many reenactment groups provide the author with extra insights. So Osprey chose very wisely to publish a Gladius book written by Bishop.
The author describes the evolution of the Gladius in dimension, form, composition, and possible usage using many examples of swords and other archaeological finds such as scabbards, he also uses written descriptions of the usage of Gladius and sculptural evidence (for example to show that even common legionaries liked to decorate their scabbards); why the gladius evolved that way from gladius hispaniensis, Mainz, Pompeii and then the ring and semispatha types, how were they used, manufactured, how legionaries trained and used the package sword and shield in battle. Other interesting chapters are the derivatives of the gladius, the psychological influence of its use, the modern reconstructions and a very good glossary of terms and bibliography.
Several misconceptions are battled including the gladius as a purely piercing weapon (in fact it was also used to slash and chop frequently), or that highly decorated weapons must be officers weapons.
The color plates were created by Peter Dennis and are very good. They include "The Anatomy of a Short Sword" showing a depicting parts of a Gladius Hispaniensis, a Mainz type and a Pompeii type Gladius; The violent fight in "Valencia in 75BC" between Sertorius and Pompeian legionaries; the fight against the "Dacian baggage train 101-102"; "Facing the Gladiators" show the viewer legionaries improvising against heavily armored crupellarii. It also includes amazing photographs and line drawings of many gladius and also sculptures and bas reliefs; tables comparing the dimensions of the different types of gladius; information regarding the manufacture of the gladius and their composition in high and low carbon steel, among many other useful tools that will quickly allow the reader to increase their knowledge of a weapon system that was very influential in world history.
One of the best books I’ve read regarding Roman equipment was written by this author, its title was “Roman Military Equipment from the Punic wars to the Fall of Rome”; he was also the editor and brain behind the Journal of Military Roman Equipment. So his credentials are truly superb, and his links with many reenactment groups provide the author with extra insights. So Osprey chose very wisely to publish a Gladius book written by Bishop.
The author describes the evolution of the Gladius in dimension, form, composition, and possible usage using many examples of swords and other archaeological finds such as scabbards, he also uses written descriptions of the usage of Gladius and sculptural evidence (for example to show that even common legionaries liked to decorate their scabbards); why the gladius evolved that way from gladius hispaniensis, Mainz, Pompeii and then the ring and semispatha types, how were they used, manufactured, how legionaries trained and used the package sword and shield in battle. Other interesting chapters are the derivatives of the gladius, the psychological influence of its use, the modern reconstructions and a very good glossary of terms and bibliography.
Several misconceptions are battled including the gladius as a purely piercing weapon (in fact it was also used to slash and chop frequently), or that highly decorated weapons must be officers weapons.
The color plates were created by Peter Dennis and are very good. They include "The Anatomy of a Short Sword" showing a depicting parts of a Gladius Hispaniensis, a Mainz type and a Pompeii type Gladius; The violent fight in "Valencia in 75BC" between Sertorius and Pompeian legionaries; the fight against the "Dacian baggage train 101-102"; "Facing the Gladiators" show the viewer legionaries improvising against heavily armored crupellarii. It also includes amazing photographs and line drawings of many gladius and also sculptures and bas reliefs; tables comparing the dimensions of the different types of gladius; information regarding the manufacture of the gladius and their composition in high and low carbon steel, among many other useful tools that will quickly allow the reader to increase their knowledge of a weapon system that was very influential in world history.
July 14, 2018
Anyone with an interest in Roman history, be that in fiction or non-fiction, will often come across military passages where various items of equipment are mentioned. One of them will certainly be the ubiquitous gladius. We won't even think about it; we'll move on without a second thought, confident that we know exactly what is being talked about.
But it does us all good, once in a while, to pause, and challenge our own pre-conceptions. That is exactly what this book does. It's not a big book - about 80 pages - but appears to contain just about everything known about this iconic sword. And the story is not as simple as it may appear.
The author traces the history of the gladius; its probable origins, its various incarnations, how it was made, and gives his views and opinions as to why the changes occurred. Because you can tell a lot from this seemingly simple weapon. Why was it so successful? Did the changes to the gladius over time change Roman tactics? Or did a change of tactics lead to changes in the weapon? There are no clear answers, but the author does an excellent job of explaining the competing theories, and explaining his own conclusions.
The other thing worth mentioning are the illustrations. There are many, and they add enormously to the text. Pictures of extant weapons in various European museums, as well as pen drawings and diagrams. This, of course, means that this is not an ideal book to read on a Kindle. If you buy the Kindle version, it is definitely worth reading it on a tablet or PC if you can, or at least using one to look through the pictures.
Overall, this is an excellent resource. Clear, concise and beautifully illustrated.
But it does us all good, once in a while, to pause, and challenge our own pre-conceptions. That is exactly what this book does. It's not a big book - about 80 pages - but appears to contain just about everything known about this iconic sword. And the story is not as simple as it may appear.
The author traces the history of the gladius; its probable origins, its various incarnations, how it was made, and gives his views and opinions as to why the changes occurred. Because you can tell a lot from this seemingly simple weapon. Why was it so successful? Did the changes to the gladius over time change Roman tactics? Or did a change of tactics lead to changes in the weapon? There are no clear answers, but the author does an excellent job of explaining the competing theories, and explaining his own conclusions.
The other thing worth mentioning are the illustrations. There are many, and they add enormously to the text. Pictures of extant weapons in various European museums, as well as pen drawings and diagrams. This, of course, means that this is not an ideal book to read on a Kindle. If you buy the Kindle version, it is definitely worth reading it on a tablet or PC if you can, or at least using one to look through the pictures.
Overall, this is an excellent resource. Clear, concise and beautifully illustrated.
February 28, 2019
Livro curto, mas altamente informativo. O autor aborda as espadas utilizadas pelos romanos desde a república até o fim do império, descrevendo os materiais, especificações, variações e como e por quem eram usadas, assim como sua influência militar e cultural no mundo antigo.
Cheio de referências e citações de fontes antigas, o livro é muito bem escrito e altamente ilustrado - com inúmeras imagens de esculturas, desenhos, réplicas atuais das espadas e achados arqueológicos. Recomendado para quem quer aprofunda no assunto.
Cheio de referências e citações de fontes antigas, o livro é muito bem escrito e altamente ilustrado - com inúmeras imagens de esculturas, desenhos, réplicas atuais das espadas e achados arqueológicos. Recomendado para quem quer aprofunda no assunto.
April 2, 2023
Хорошая книга про оружие создавшее Империю. Много фотографий гладиусов из раскопок. Чего не хватает? Хотелось бы видеть детальные схемы отработки ударов с разными типами гладиусов, как смена типа отражает смену тактики боя, то есть пользовательский аспект. Потом, гладиус с точки зрения металлургии, какие были приёмы у римских металлургов и вообще кто и как делал гладиусы. Этот аспект древнеримской жизни - ремесленники часто выпадает из поля зрения, такое не очень интересовало классических писателей. Тем интересней понять это с точки зрения археологии.
December 16, 2017
This slim book is a very good overview of the "gladius Hispaniensis." Bishop covers the sword's evolution, how legionaries trained with it, how it was used in battle, and how it's viewed in the modern world. There is a lot of information packed into the book's 80 pages, and there are numerous pictures and drawings to support the text. The book is a good beginning point for anyone interested in the primary weapon carried by the legions of Rome.
October 5, 2017
A well-researched piece.
August 1, 2020
Falls under 'interesting if you're me'!
January 13, 2025
Filled with useful information, and enough sketches and pictures to be useful for my research in preparation for making a gladius.
January 9, 2017
The de facto resource for learning about what is perhaps the most effective sword ever created. How it came about, its multiple uses, care, and training. I've been intensively studying Ancient Rome for ten years and consistently found myself discovering new things thanks to this book, which is short on pages but long and deep on information you won't find elsewhere.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews